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FIVE Arsenal players that definitely need replacing this summer

Every Arsenal fan and his dog will tell you that the team desperately need a World-Class striker and an a new DM to compete with Francis Coquelin, as we have needed for more than a couple of years, but even before that Arsene Wenger has to find replacements for five of our players that will be surplus to requirements.

We all well know that Mikel Arteta, Matthieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky are all well past their sell-by-date, and are also out of contract this summer. There will be some big protests if Wenger offers any of them another contract, unless it is as part of the coaching staff.

Then there is the small matter of Matthieu Debuchy, who has done nothing but moan since he arrived at the club, and who even forced Wenger to send him out on loan in January (and left the Gunners without a proper backup for Hector Belleirn) because he was whining that he needed to play to get into the France team at the European Championships this summer. The 30 year-old moved to Bordeaux at the end of the transfer window, but had only made 4 appearances before suffering from a muscular injury. Is there anyone that wants Matthieu back at the Emirates?

Another waste of a squad place is obviously Yaya Sanogo, who has never take any of the chances he has been given to shine at Arsenal or any other loan club. To think that if Wenger had given up on him a couple of years ago, then maybe he would have realised that we definitely needed another striker a little bit earlier?

Another ridiculous fact is that Wenger actually awarded Arteta and Rosicky an extra years contract last summer, and how many games have they played between them this season? Again if Wenger had released them both he may have realised the urgency of a new younger DM just a tad earlier? Or is that just wishful thinking?

1. I think you are placing too much confidence in Zalelem because of the many glowing early reports. I have watched him a few times and he was not that impressive. He may need more time than originally projected.

2. I would be surprised if Gibbs stays. Also would be surprised if both Ox and Theo stay – one may move on.

3. I don’t know if Sanogo needs “replacing” because he has done nothing worth replacing…… but he needs to be GONE.

I wouldn’t blame Gibbs for leaving, Id thank him for his service, and for his loyalty. He is better than most teams first choice left backs and could easily get into every team from Liv and all the way down. Its not easy waiting in the wings, but esp if you are a defender, defences usually won’t change all that often so it can be a very frustrating wait.

If he does go, I think the side he goes to are getting themselves a good, honest, reliable fullback. He is not among the very best fullbacks, but how many players are, probably a top ten/twenty worldwide. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves sometimes, some people don’t understand how difficult it can be to arrive at a match with plenty of rust in tow, considering this you quickly realise Gibbs to be a solid and professional lad. Hope he stays, we won’t get a better second choice who’ll remain as loyal, look to Debuchy if you don’t believe. Debuchy deserved to play for our reserves never mind making the bench, he never shut up complaining about it. So Gibbs, Ill be sad to see you go.

Looking into my crystal ball if this new ellete European club competition comes into fruition the Arsenal are going to have to up the quality of player or we will end up in the 2nd tierand not the creme de la creme tier.